Smart economy blow as students turn off science [Independent.ie]
- Published: 10 November 2010
FEWER students are taking science courses in college this year, despite a massive campaign by the Government to increase enrolments in the area to help build the 'smart economy'.
After a massive 25pc rise in science numbers last year, new figures show a decline this year.
The figures -- coming in the middle of National Science Week -- are a blow to the Government's hopes for a future smart economy.
The statistics, obtained by the Irish Independent, show that the number of first-year students accepting offers of places on science courses has dropped from 4,773 last year to 4,645 this year.
They also show disappointing results for engineering and computing skills, despite the fact there is a serious shortage of graduates in these areas, which are key to the development of the economy.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
